Chapter 29
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Eliana asked, “Ms. Burke, you wanted to see me?” When it came to Hannah, she always made a clear distinction–Ms. Burke during work hours, Hannah after.
Hannah replied, “Ellie, the company just assigned our department to plan an engagement ceremony, including venue design. I want you to come with me to meet the clients and hear their requirements, okay?”
Eliana instinctively asked, “Shouldn’t we bring Ms. Smith along too?”
Hannah crossed her arms and gave her a puzzled look. “Why would we? Ellie, don’t tell me you’re planning to stay a department assistant forever.”
Eliana narrowed her eyes slightly. With Starlight Media’s reputation, the company usually handled major clients. She was just an assistant. Going over Jennifer’s head to work directly with Hannah didn’t exactly follow the rules.
But Hannah seemed to have high expectations for Eliana. “Ellie, do well this time. Don’t let me down.”
Eliana had no choice but to say, “Alright. I’ll go get ready.”
Hannah gave a small nod and asked as if offhandedly, “By the way, is your cold better?”
Eliana was caught off guard but then answered, “Yeah, I’m fine now.”
Hannah twirled a strand of her loose waves between her fingers, then smiled sweetly, “That’s good. Yesterday, Nolan was worried you might not be able to come in today. Looks like that medicine he gave you worked wonders.”
Eliana felt a chill run through her. The last time Hannah smiled at her like that, Hudson had her married off to Theodore not long after.
Back at her desk, Eliana went straight to Jennifer. “Ms. Smith, Ms. Burke asked me to go with her to meet a client, so I’m here to request half a day off.”
Jennifer looked at her with a half–smile. “Your sister’s climbing the ranks and still remembers to bring you along. Pretty soon I might be the one answering to you.”
Eliana deflected smoothly. “Ms. Smith, please don’t say that. I still have a lot to learn from you.”
Jennifer clicked her tongue and then suddenly spoke, “You know, you’ve always been diligent at work. I see that. But do you know why it’s been two years and you still haven’t gone permanent?”
Eliana shook her head.
Jennifer leaned in and said, “It’s because of Hannah. I once went to deliver some documents to Mr. Hall and overheard him saying he wanted to make you permanent.
“But Hannah told him you were still young and could use a couple more years of experience. With a beauty like that talking, of course Mr. Hall agreed.”
“Elie? Ellie.” Hannah’s voice brought her back. “We’re about to have lunch with the clients. What are you spacing out for?”
Snapping out of it, Eliana lowered her gaze. “Nothing.”
Hannah gave Eliana a suspicious glance. She then straightened up her outfit and knocked on the door of the private room.
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Wed, 11 Jun 06
Chapter 29
The door opened, and a man wearing gold–rimmed glasses said, “Please come in.”
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Just as Eliana was about to greet him, Hannah walked right past the man and headed further inside. “Mr. Russell, nice to meet you.”
Eliana froze. Mr. Russell?‘ she thought.
Instinctively, she looked over–only to see that the man seated inside was none other than Anthony, and beside him sat Alice.
After a polite handshake with Hannah, Anthony shifted his gaze to Eliana, smiling, “Eliana, what a coincidence. I didn’t expect you to be our assigned planner.”
His warm and friendly tone toward Eliana made Hannah’s smile falter for a brief moment.
Hannah thought, “This doesn’t make sense. Didn’t they say Theodore once broke Anthony’s leg? Weren’t those two brothers supposed to hate each other? Then why is Anthony being so nice to Eliana? He even pulled out a chair for her himself.
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